1953 Siata 208CS Berlinetta

Initially a constructor of aftermarket components, speed tuning services, and overhead valve conversions for the popular FIAT automobiles, Siata (Società Italiana Auto Trasformazioni Accessori) introduced its first chassis developed in-house, dubbed the Daina series, in 1950. Shortly thereafter, Fiat unveiled its Otto Vu, a limited-production, high-end sports car powered by a compact, all-alloy V-8 engine. When sales of the 8V were slow in the post-war economy, Fiat turned to Siata to unload approximately 50 of these excess 8V engines to power cars of their own design.

With the new powerplant, Siata began work on their new 208S (Spider) and 208CS (Coupe). It was given a tubular ladder chassis, independent suspension all around, and the 8V engine fitted with a Siata intake, camshaft, and carburetor tuning, produced around 125 horsepower. Complementing the advanced mechanical componentry, Siata worked with some of Italy's finest coachbuilders, commissioning hand-formed aluminum bodies for the 208S barchetta from Michelotti and Carrozzeria Motto, and the 208CS berlinetta with bodies first from Stabilimenti Farina and later from Carrozzeria Balbo. During production, approximately 53 208 Siatas were sold, with 18 of these produced as 208CS Berlinetta coupes.

The first six examples of the 208CS were bodied by Stabilimenti Farina and featured a low stance, retractable headlamps, and a competition-oriented cockpit. After making its debut in 1952 at the Turin Motor Show, the 208 CS went on to take part in such leading road races as the 1000 Miglia, Giro di Sicilia, and Tour de France Automobile, as well as a variety of sprints, rallies, and hill climb events.

With the nexpected closure of Stabilimenti Farina at the end of 1952, nearby Carrozzeria Successori Balbo took over production of the Coupes. The nine Balbo coupes were distinguished by their eggcrate grilles and slightly revised proportions. Additionally, Bertone and Vignale each produced three custom bodies for the Siata 208 CS chassis. The three Vignale-bodied Siata 208 CS chassis were numbers CS066, CS070, and CS075.

Chassis CS070
This 1953 Siata 208 CS Coupe with coachwork by Vignale was designed by Giovanni Michelotti. The styling shares similarities to Ferrari's 212 and 250 Europa chassis known as the 'Geneva Coupes.' Styling elements include two-tone color schemes, distinctive bumper treatments and grille, and a luxurious interior. CS070 rests on a long 2700mm wheelbase.

Chassis number CS070 was invoiced to Siata on December 31, 1952, and it made its debut in October 1953 at the Salon de l'Automobile in Paris. It was shown a year later at the Geneva Motor Show.

The 208 CS's certificate of origin was issued on May 20, 1955, and it was sold new through official Siata agent Denezio Zarattini to Stabilimenti Chimico-Farmaceutici Dott. R. Ravasini e C.ia. S.p.A., a pharmaceutical company based in Rome. Under Dott. Ravasini's ownership, CS070 was first registered on June 7, 1955, as 'Roma 225576.'

Giuseppe Abruzzese purchased the Siata in September 1956, and about a year later, it was owned by Giuseppe Giordano and then Aldo Bernardini. In 1960, the Siata was exported to the US, where it was first owned by Larry Reed of Los Angeles. In November 1963, Mr. Reed advertised CS070 in Road & Track magazine, describing the car: 'Siata Gran Turismo 4-pass coupe. Made by Vignale for '56 Paris Auto Show. Sold at show for $19,500. Purchased by Larry Reed 1960 270HP Corvette with 3-speed close ratio with OD Corvette gearbox installed by Warren Olson (of Scarab fame). 1800 miles on new engine and tires.'

Following an interim owner in Bakersfield, California, the Siata was sold to Larry L. Joiner of Reno, Nevada in 1967. The Siata would remain in Mr. Joiner's collection until 2013, when it was sold to the current caretaker. At the time of the sale, the car was in unrestored condition and powered by a Chevrolet engine.

The current caretaker commissioned John de Boer to research the car's provenance and track down its matching-numbers Otto Vu engine, which had been separated decades earlier. After a thorough search, the engine and gearbox were located and subsequently acquired from John Ebey, a Los Angeles-based sports car enthusiast and fellow Siata owner. Having secured these critical components, a restoration commenced. Brian Hoyt's Perfect Reflections of Hayward, California, was tasked with restoring the Vignale bodywork, and Epifani Restorations rebuilt the mechanical components.

The restoration, done in a no-expense-spared manner and to concours quality, was completed in 2024. After the competition, the Siata was shown at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2024